INTERVIEW: SKETCHES

Whilst they began in West Yorkshire, Sketches has moved down to the capital like many other bands before them. We don’t fancy them any less, and in fact, we are quite excited about their impending debut album.

We recently had a quick chat with the band about football (of course), life on the road, the recording process, and hugging Elvis Costello.

1. Tell us about how you came together as a band. When did you realise things were getting serious?

We met in Leeds. Things were good, we had student loans back then which we could blow on industrial German badge makers and other stuff we didn’t really need. We lived in each others pockets, stole mattresses from skips for our rehearsal room (basement ) and played a lot of table football. One of us could have turned pro.

2. What can we expect from your debut album? Please tell us a bit about the recording process.

The album has been six months in the making, and it is finally complete. We recorded it ourselves, in a garage with the help of many people who lent us equipment, gave us coffee and gin. Then we sent everything to our old friend in Chicago for him to mix. The poor guy got daily emails asking him to edit the most minor things and then a week later to change it back to how it was in the first place. We are still friends though I am pretty sure.

You can download a track from the album for free on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sketchesmusic. “Lovers Liars” is a good example of how the album sounds. There are highs and lows, light and shade. That is what we like about music, and has been the common ground since we started playing together.

3. How does the local community effect your music and you as people?

Leeds was a good place for the band to grow up. There are people there who go out of their way to help you which I don’t think you get everywhere. We are in London now, and anonymity is more frequent as a band and as a person.

4. What are your favourite things about gigs? Any memorable experiences you’d like to share? Any bands that you would really fancy playing with?

Other than playing them, on tour; I don’t think waking up in a different city every day will ever become a chore. Playing frisbee to kill time won’t either. When bands are touring it is strange how much time you spend with the same people doing nothing. The first night, you are strangers, and by the last you feel like you’ve known each other for years. I like that.

5. We’re all big football fans here at Bubblegunked. Who do you guys support? Do you have any memorable experiences from seeing a match in person?

James is an avid Notts Forest fan. Matt supports Plymouth Argyle and Luke; Watford but both by default. James and Luke went to see Watford vs Forest last boxing day. It was 0-0.

6. Lastly, if you had a chance to record with one of your musical heroes, who would that be? Would you cover one of their songs, or would you write something new?

Elvis Costello maybe. We would politely ask him if he would mind letting us rip off ‘Watching The Detectives’. He would say yes and then we would hug.